Everyone has heard the saying, you can't please all of the people all of the time. So, with that said, can Barack Obama announce a Vice President selection in the near future without the risk of strong backlash from disappointed supporters? Is it best to wait until the party is strongly unified and solidly behind the Democratic nominee or is better to get it over with and allow unity to build in the upcoming weeks? More over the jump.
As we all know, many names are being offered by members of Congress, party leaders and Caucuses for consideration in the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate.
Former Sens. John Edwards and Sam Nunn are on a list of potential running mates for Democrat Barack Obama, a congresswoman said Thursday, one day after she met with the team Obama has reviewing possible candidates...
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Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, met Wednesday with Kennedy and Holder. A former Clinton supporter, he offered Clinton's name but said he mentioned others, too. Those included Edwards, Sens. Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, Gore, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.
And, although I first assumed that whoever was selected would be someone who shares Obama's vision for the country and would be a suitable match, history suggests that I could be very wrong.
Lyndon Johnson may have been what put John F. Kennedy over the top in 1960. Even if they didn't like each other — and we sure know of the antipathy LBJ and Robert Kennedy had for each other
So, what if Obama selects someone who I do not personally believe in (and let me mention that I personally do not believe in a lot of different people)? I have to say to myself, is it better that Obama shock me right before the convention and let me get over it quick, or is it better for Obama to make a decision now and let me heal with time? And, then I think, I should get a life because the sky will not fall.
But after all, we have endured almost eight long years of the Bush Administration. Would it be fair to say people are one foot away from sliding down a dark political abyss. Would it also be fair to say that the only thing that is preventing some from slipping away is the hope in a new direction and political discourse. And, is it fair to say, that the Vice Presidential selection will be evidence, whether perceived to be small or large, of that change. And so, is anyone feeling the gravity of this upcoming decision as I am? Will the decision move mountains or be a plop plop fiz fiz. Will it be the straw that broke the camel's back or will life go on, business as usual? And, is timing everything under the circumstances?
In 2004, John Kerry made his announcement on July 6, 2004, but under very different circumstances. There was more time to introduce John Edwards to those unfamiliar with him from the primary. There was more time to respond to media and opposition criticism. And, there was more time to unify the party behind the selected Vice President if needed.
But, I would submit that Barack Obama has no such time with the Democratic Convention only weeks away. So, when will it be safe for Barack Obama to announce a vice president selection. Finally, let me end by saying that I believe in Obama, and I believe he will select the best person for the job. I will be supporting Barack Obama and doing what I can in my home state to help him win regardless. But, I sure hope it is someone I like.